THE Ilkley Moor Fell Race on Sunday, promoted by Ilkley Harriers, was a highly successful event. The race attracted a large field of 230 runners, some from as far afield as Peterborough and Keswick.

In a thrilling race, winner Greg Hull of Leeds City (36.22) and Gary Devine of Pudsey and Bramley (36.26) were rarely more than a yard or two apart over the whole four-and-a-half mile course, both finishing well inside Gary's 1995 course record.

Devine is well used to Ilkley Moor having lived in the town.

Veteran Jo Prowse,of Ilkley, took the ladies' title in 47.20 over the testing hilly course which includes 1,150 feet of ascent. Jo is a member of the Keighley and Craven club.

Quite a few Ilkley Harriers helped with the organisation and running of the event, with 19 competing.

Ilkley's ladies did extremely well winning the ladies team event.

The team comprised Emma Hodgeson having a superb run to finish second in the ladies race in 49.07, Julie Harvey in 53.23 and Alison Hood in 55.41.

New member Helen Johnson recorded an excellent 50.26, with strong runs from Shirley Wood in 55.43 and Theresa Fuentes in 63.56.

In the senior men's race, 17-year-old Graham Pearce had an excellent race to finish first Harrier in 26th place in 42.59.

He was also awarded the William Read Memorial Trophy for the first local runner.

Ilkley Harriers other men were evergreen Mike Baldwin 43rd (44.03), Jason Helmsley 46th (44.23), Bob Hamilton 47th (44.43), Paul Wood 52nd (44.55), Mark Iley 53rd (44.56), Justin Oldham (76th) 47.04, Mike Rhodes 83rd (47.40), new member Neil Taylor (51.02), Dave Ibbotson (55.26), Andrew Kitchen (56.15) and Brian Sweet (60.01) in the over 60 category.

On Saturday Nick Pearce was 10th and third veteran in 1.19 and Geoff Howard 75th in 1.30 in the Noon Stone Fell Race at Todmorden.

This is a nine mile race with 2,300 feet of ascent.

Ilkley Harriers is a friendly club and welcomes runners of all abilities.

They meet on Tuesdays at 7pm at Ben Rhydding Sports Club.

For details contact club captain Nick Pearce on 600408, acting ladies captain Johanne Kerr on 608214 or through e-mail address at Ilkley.harriers@btinternet.com.

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